US Navy Resumes Osprey Aircraft Flights After Comprehensive Safety Inspections
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The US Navy has recently authorized the resumption of flights for the V-22 Osprey aircraft. This decision follows a series of inspections and safety measures aimed at addressing ongoing concerns about the aircraft's reliability and safety.The V-22 Osprey fleet was grounded on December 6, 2023, after a fatal crash in Japan that resulted in the deaths of eight airmen. This incident prompted a thorough investigation to identify the mechanical failure that led to the crash. The Pentagon identified the issue as a parts failure, specifically involving the aircraft's prop-rotor gearboxes.In response to these findings, the US military conducted extensive inspections of the Osprey fleet. The Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps all participated in these inspections, which were aimed at verifying the flight hours on each proprotor gearbox before allowing the aircraft to fly again. The inspections were deemed necessary to ensure the safety and reliability of the aircraft.The decision to resume flights came after the completion of these inspections and additional safety measures. The Navy and Air Force were cleared to return their Osprey aircraft to flight operations, with an emphasis on continued scrutiny of the problematic gearboxes. This move was part of a broader effort to balance the operational needs of the military with the imperative to maintain high safety standards.In summary, the US Navy's decision to allow Osprey aircraft flights to resume was driven by the completion of comprehensive inspections and safety measures aimed at addressing the mechanical issues identified in the wake of the fatal crash in Japan.